Karnataka Honors 70 Luminaries with Prestigious Rajyotsava Awards

On the eve of Karnataka's 70th state formation day on November 1, 2025, the state government has announced the winners of the prestigious Rajyotsava Awards. A total of 70 distinguished personalities from diverse fields have been selected for this year's honors, which mark the 70th anniversary of Karnataka's statehood.

Among the notable awardees are film actor Prakash Raj, former Indian hockey captain Ashish Ballal, retired Air Force pilot Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar, and retired Karnataka High Court judge P.B. Bajantri. The list also includes renowned writers Rajendra Chenni and Rahamath Tarikere, as well as the 103-year-old social worker Solgatti Eramma.

Each of the Rajyotsava Award recipients will receive a cash prize of ₹5 lakh and a 25-gram gold medal at a special ceremony on November 1. Last year, the awards were conferred on personalities such as sculptor Arun Yogiraj, human rights advocate S. Balan, and environmentalist Almitra Patel.

The Rajyotsava Awards are Karnataka's highest civilian honors, recognizing exceptional contributions in fields ranging from literature and the arts to science, technology, and social service. The 2025 edition of the awards celebrates the state's 70th formation day, highlighting the diverse talents and achievements of Karnataka's citizens.